Ref: 2025/PR/05
25 February 2025, Dhaka
High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed paid a courtesy call on Professor Mumammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, at the Chief Adviser’s office in Dhaka.
During the call, High Commissioner Shiuneen conveyed the warmest greetings of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the people of the Maldives, reaffirming the longstanding and historic ties between the Maldives and Bangladesh. She expressed appreciation for Professor Younus’ leadership and Bangladesh’s remarkable transformation under his guidance.
Highlighting the integral role of Bangladeshi expatriates in socio-economic development of the Maldives, High Commissioner Shiuneen underscored the Government’s ongoing efforts to formalize migrant workers’ legal status, ensuring equitable rights, protections, and welfare through a structured regularization program, noting the challenges faced by a significant number of undocumented Bangladeshi workers currently without formal work visa. In response, Chief Adviser Yunus acknowledged the significance of this issue and pledged Bangladesh’s full cooperation to support the regularization process.
High Commissioner Shiuneen noted the increasing number of Maldivian students pursuing education in Bangladesh, especially in medical fields. Chief Adviser Yunus welcomed more Maldivian students to continue their studies in Bangladesh and assured facilitative measures to enhance academic opportunities for Maldivian students.
High Commissioner highlighted the robust growth in imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals to the Maldives. Tourism data reveals a notable 17.5% increase in Bangladeshi tourist arrivals to the Maldives over the past year, positioning Bangladesh as the 13th largest source market for Maldivian tourism.
Both the High Commissioner and the Chief Adviser emphasised their commitment to addressing climate change challenges, recognising the shared vulnerabilities as climate sensitive nations. High Commissioner Shiuneen commended Bangladesh's role in global climate action forums, recognizing its advocacy for climate vulnerable nations.
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